U.S. patent number 6,749,514 [Application Number 09/890,161] was granted by the patent office on 2004-06-15 for game system and information storage medium.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Namco Ltd.. Invention is credited to Jun Moriwaki, Takehiro Shimizu, Hiroshi Watanabe.
United States Patent |
6,749,514 |
Moriwaki , et al. |
June 15, 2004 |
Game system and information storage medium
Abstract
There is provided a game system and information storage medium
in which a player can easily grasp the contents of the saved data
or the game state on the data saving. The game system can play a
game based on a desired saved data when the desired saved data is
selected and loaded from items of saved data. The game system has a
saved-contents reminder image generating section (144) for
generating a saved-contents reminder image containing at least one
of scene and character which remind a player of the contents of the
saved data or the game state on the data saving, and a load
information selecting section (114) which outputs the
saved-contents reminder image when a player selects saved data to
be loaded. The contents of a frame buffer on the data saving may be
used as a saved-contents reminder image. Moreover, a saved-contents
reminder sound containing at least one of sound effects, BGM,
character's voice which remind the player of the contents of the
saved data or the game state on the data saving may be generated
and outputted.
Inventors: |
Moriwaki; Jun (Ota-ku,
JP), Watanabe; Hiroshi (Ota-ku, JP),
Shimizu; Takehiro (Ota-ku, JP) |
Assignee: |
Namco Ltd. (Tokyo,
JP)
|
Family
ID: |
18339091 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/890,161 |
Filed: |
August 27, 2001 |
PCT
Filed: |
October 24, 2000 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/JP00/07428 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
|
|
|
Nov 30, 1999 [JP] |
|
|
11-340658 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/43; 345/419;
434/99; 463/35; 463/31 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F
13/54 (20140902); A63F 13/493 (20140902); A63F
2300/552 (20130101); A63F 2300/206 (20130101); A63F
13/95 (20140902); A63F 13/822 (20140902); A63F
2300/203 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63F
13/10 (20060101); A63F 013/00 (); A63F 009/24 ();
G06F 017/00 (); G06F 019/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;463/1-9,40-43,31,20,35
;273/143B ;345/419 ;434/99 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
English translation of Super Famicon Dragonquest III Official Guide
Book (Japan) p. 10. .
English translation of Sarugecchu Manual (Japan) p. 49. .
Play Station Kanpeki Kouryaku Series 39; Alone in the Dark 2
Hisshou Kouryaku kou, (Japan) Kabushiki Kaisha Souyousha, (Jul. 05,
1997) p. 5. .
Konami Kanpeki Kouryaku Series 32; Jikkyou Powerful Pro-Yakuu '98
Kaimaku-ban Success Mode Konami K.K., (Mar. 20, 1999) p. 92. .
Konami Kanpeki Kouryaku Series 28; Jikkyou Powerful Pro-Yakuu '98
Kaimaku Koushiki Kanzen Guide Book, (Japan) Konami K.K., (Sep. 01,
1998) p. 18. .
Master Series; Nobunaga no Yabou; Tenshouki Master Book, (Japan)
Kabushiki Kaisha Kouei, (Aug. 15, 1995) p. 19. .
The Play Station Books "Yaru Dora" Kouryaku Series; Yukiwari no
Hana, (Japan) Soft Bank K.K., (Dec. 17, 1998) p. 13. .
Jugemu, No. 34 (Japan) Recruit (Feb. 01, 1998) p. 60. .
Sarugecchu Manual (Japan) Sony Computer Entertainment, Tokkyoshou
Shiryoukan p. 6. .
Super Famicon Dragonquest III Official Guide Book (Japan) p. 10.
.
Sarugecchu Manual (Japan) p. 49 1996..
|
Primary Examiner: Walberg; Teresa
Assistant Examiner: Mendoza; Robert
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Oliff & Berridge, PLC
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A game system for playing a game by saving game state
information when the game is terminated and by generating a
saved-contents reminder image from items of the game state
information saved when the game is terminated, the game system
comprising: image generation means which generates a saved-contents
reminder image from the same state information saved when the game
is terminated including one of at least a scene and a character
which remind a player of contents of the saved data or a game state
when the game is terminated; output means which outputs the
saved-contents reminder image upon restarting of the game; and
further comprising: means for generating a saved-contents reminder
sound including at least one of sound effects, background music and
character voice which remind the player of the contents of the
saved data or the game state on the data saving; and output means
which outputs the saved-contents reminder sound when the player
selects the saved data to be loaded.
2. A game system in which desired saved data is selected from items
of saved data and loaded, the game system comprising: generating
means which generates a saved-contents reminder sound including at
least one of sound effects, background music and character voice
that remind a player of contents of the saved data or a game state
on the data saving; and output means which outputs the
saved-contents reminder sound when the player selects the saved
data to be loaded.
3. A game system for playing a game by loading desired saved data
selected from items of saved data, the game system comprising:
image generation means which generates a saved-contents reminder
image including at least one of a scene and a character which
remind a player of a contents of the saved data or a game state on
the data saving; output means which outputs the saved contents
reminder image when the player selects the saved data to be loaded;
and wherein the saved-contents reminder image or a saved-contents
reminder sound is generated based on a parameter of the character
on the data saving.
4. The game system as defined in claim 2, wherein the
saved-contents reminder image or the saved-contents reminder sound
is generated based on a parameter of the character on the data
saving.
5. A game system for playing a game by loading desired saved data
selected from items of saved data, the game system comprising:
image generation means which generates a saved-contents reminder
image including at least one of a scene and a character which
remind a player of a contents of the saved data or a game state on
the data saving; output means which outputs the saved contents
reminder image when the player selects the saved data to be loaded;
and edition means which enables the player to edit at least one of
the saved-contents reminder image and the saved-contents edition
sound on the data saving.
6. The game system as defined in claim 2, further comprising:
edition means which enables the player to edit at least one of the
saved-contents reminder image and the saved-contents edition sound
no the data saving.
7. A computer-readable information storage medium for playing a
game by saving game state information when the game is terminated
and by generating a saved-contents reminder image from items of the
game state information saved when the game is terminated, the
information storage medium storing a program for implementing:
image generation means which generates a saved-contents reminder
image from the game state information saved when the game is
terminated including one of at least a scene and a character which
remind a player of contents of the saved data or a game state when
the game is terminated; output means which outputs the
saved-contents reminder image upon restarting of the game; and
storing a program for implementing: means for generating a
saved-contents reminder sound including at least one of sound
effects, background music and character voice which remind the
player of the contents of the saved data or the game state on the
data saving; and output means which outputs the saved-contents
reminder sound when the player selects the saved data to be
loaded.
8. An information storage medium in which desired saved data is
selected from items of saved data and loaded, the information
storage medium storing a program for implementing: means for
generating a saved-contents reminder sound including at least one
of sound effects, background music and character voices that remind
a player of contents of the saved data or a game state on the data
saving; and output means which outputs the saved-contents reminder
sound when the player selects the saved data to be loaded.
9. A computer-readable information storage medium for playing a
game by loading desire data selected from items of saved data, the
information storage medium storing a program for implementing:
image generation means which generates a saved-contents reminder
image including one of at least a scene and a character which
remind a player of contents of the saved data or a game state when
the game is terminated; output means which outputs the
saved-contents reminder image upon restarting of the game; and
storing a program for generating the saved-contents reminder image
or the saved-contents reminder sound based on a parameter of the
character on the data savings.
10. The information storage medium as defined in claim 8, storing:
a program for generating the saved-contents reminder image or the
saved-contents reminder sound based on a parameter of the character
on the data saving.
11. A computer-readable information storage medium for playing a
game by loading desired data selected from items of saved data, the
information storage medium storing a program for implementing:
image generation means which generates a saved-contents reminder
image including one of at least a scene and a character which
remind a player of contents of the saved data or a game state when
the game is terminated; output means which outputs the
saved-contents reminder image upon restarting of the game; and
edition means which enables the player to edit at least one of the
saved-contents reminder image and the saved-contents editing sound
on the data saving.
12. The information storage medium as defined in claim 8, storing a
program for implementing: edition means which enables the player to
edit at least one of the saved-contents reminder image and the
saved-contents edition sound on the data saving.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a game system and the information
storage medium.
BACKGROUND ART
Role-playing and action games have complicated stories. During play
of a game, a plurality of alternatives are provided. Various
developments of the game will be provided depending on the
selection of the player. However, there are many days required to
play all these developments of the game.
The game information is saved not only when the game is to be
temporarily terminated but also when the player wants to save the
game information at any point by way of caution. If the game
information has been saved at an important or turning point during
game play, the player can restart the game at the desired point by
selecting it. Thus, the player can obtain a better development of
the game by replaying the game from any other point different from
the save point or in any different development of the game.
When the saved game information (which will be referred to "saved
data") is to be loaded, the date on which the game information was
saved and so on are displayed. The player selects any saved data to
be loaded according to the displayed information. However, if the
plural contents of the game have been saved, it is often difficult
for the player to remember the saved contents of the game
information or the state in which the game information was saved.
If the player is to replay the game at the latest saving point,
there is no problem. However, if the player is to replay the game
at any particular point, the player may often waver in selection of
the saved game contents.
It may be considered that characters are accessorily used to
represent temporal and geographic information relating to the game
space when the game contents were saved. This may facilitate the
selection of the game information to be loaded.
However, only use of the characters does not provide any strong
impact to the player. Therefore, it is still difficult that the
player remember the contents and states of the saved game
information.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is devised in the light of the above
described problem, and has as an objective thereof the provision of
a game system and information storage medium in which a player can
easily grasp the contents and states of the saved data on the data
saving.
(1) According to the present invention, there is provided a game
system for playing a game by loading desired saved data selected
from items of saved data, the game system comprising: image
generation means which generates a saved-contents reminder image
including at least one of a scene and a character which remind a
player of contents of the saved data or a game state on the data
saving; and output means which outputs the saved-contents reminder
image when a player selects the saved data to be loaded.
According to the present invention, there is also provided a
computer-usable program embodied on an information storage medium
or in a carrier wave, the program comprising information (or
program) for implementing (or executing) the above described means.
A computer-readable information storage medium according to the
present invention comprises information (or a program) for
implementing (executing) the above described means.
The saved-contents reminder image may be generated as a still image
or as a dynamic image.
The time when the player selects the saved data to be loaded may be
one when a load selection screen is displayed, for example. A
plurality of saved-contents reminder images may be displayed at the
same time. The saved-contents reminder images may be displayed
individually.
The saved data generally contains game data from which the game can
be restarted from the state on the data saving. The game data may
include positional and temporary parameters representing a save
point, parameters relating to a character on the data saving, or
numerical values required for the game computation of acquired
items, scores and so on.
The state on the data saving may include a location, a state of a
character, a degree of growth of a character, a objective situation
showing whether or not the game situation is advantageous for the
player, and so on.
According to the present invention, the saved-contents reminder
image which reminds the player of the contents of the saved data is
displayed when the player is to select the saved data to be loaded.
Such a saved-contents reminder image provides a stronger impact to
the player in comparison with the prior art in which only letters
representing the time and location on the data saving are
outputted. Thus, the player can easily remember the contents of the
saved data or the game state on the data saving while viewing the
saved-contents reminder image.
Therefore, the present invention can provide a game system and
information storage medium in which the player can easily grasp the
contents of the saved data and the game state on the data
saving.
(2) Each of the game system, information storage medium and program
according to the present invention may further comprise means which
performs a game direction in which at least one of scene and
character images in a game space is taken on the data saving,
wherein the saved-contents reminder image is generated based on the
taken image.
According to the present invention, at least one of a scene and
character images in the game space is taken on the data saving. The
saved-contents reminder image is generated based on the taken
image. Thus, the state on the data saving is linked with that
image. The linking leaves a strong impression in the player. The
generated saved-contents reminder image can cause the player to
easily grasp the contents of the saved data and the state on the
data saving.
When the imaging is carried out on the data saving, it adds a
further active-element to the saving operation. This makes the game
more interesting.
(3) In each of the the game system, information storage medium and
program according to the present invention, when the saved-contents
reminder image is generated, a direction reflecting a state of the
character or the player on the data saving may be performed for at
least one of expression or motion of the character, weather or
season or time of the scene and contents of background, in the
saved-contents reminder image.
The direction reflecting the situation of the character on the data
saving on the expression of the character includes the generation
of a character image having its troubled, angry or laughing face,
for example.
The direction reflecting the situation in which the character has
been placed on the data saving may be performed for the weather in
a scene, that is, the generation of a scene image representing
signs of a coming rain when the character weeps on the data saving
or an unclouded sky when the character be pleased, for example.
If the player is in a favorable position on the data saving, an
image representing a tree in full bloom may be generated. If the
player is not in a favorable position on the data saving, an image
having dead trees in the background may be generated.
According to the present invention, a game system and information
storage medium in which the player can immediately judge the game
state on the data saving from the saved-contents reminder image can
be provided by performing a direction reflecting the state of the
character or player on the data saving for at least one of the
expression or motion of the character, the weather or season or
time of the scene and the contents of the background, in the
saved-contents reminder image.
Since the saved-contents reminder image modified by the direction
reflecting the situation of the character or player on the data
saving is displayed, the present invention can provide a game
system and information storage medium in which a player is amused
by the saved-contents reminder image itself.
(4) Each of the the game system, information storage medium and
program according to the present invention may further comprise:
storing means which stores information for generating an image
displayed on data saving in association with the saved data; and
means which generates the image displayed on the data saving as the
saved-contents reminder image.
The image displayed on the data saving is an image displayed when a
player inputs a save command, for example. Data necessary for
generating such an image includes image data stored in a frame
buffer when the player inputs the save command, for example.
The image displayed on the data saving is not limited to a still
image, and may be a dynamic image. For example, images of a
plurality of frames may be saved and used to generate an animated
saved-contents reminder image.
Sounds outputted on the data saving, such as character voices, BGM,
sound effects and so on, may be saved and later outputted together
with the saved-contents reminder image.
According to the present invention, the image displayed on data
saving can be outputted as a saved-contents reminder image. Thus,
the game state on the data saving can make a stronger appeal to the
player. As a result, the present invention can provide a game
system and information storage medium in which the game state on
the data saving can easily be grasped by the player.
(5) In each of the the game system, information storage medium and
program according to the present invention, the saved-contents
reminder image containing an item possessed by a player's character
on the data saving may be generated.
According to the present invention, since an item possessed by the
player's character can be included in the saved-contents reminder
image, a game system and information storage medium wherein the
player can grasp the contents of the saved data getting a clue from
that item can be provided.
(6) Each of the the game system, information storage medium and
program according to the present invention may further comprise:
means for generating a saved-contents reminder sound including at
least one of sound effects, BGM and character voice which remind
the player of the contents of the saved data or the game state on
the data saving; and output means which outputs the saved-contents
reminder sound when the player selects the saved data to be
loaded.
Sounds which remind the player of the contents of the saved data or
the game state on the data saving include, for example, a sound of
the sea if the location on the data saving is a seashore, a sound
of wind if a strong wind is blowing, and a cry of an animal if it
exists near the character.
According to the present invention, since the saved-contents
reminder sound is outputted when the player selects the saved data
to be loaded, a game system and information storage medium in which
the game state on the data saving can easily be grasped by hearing
can be obtained.
Timing when the saved-contents reminder sound is outputted may be
either of when a cursor is positioned on any item in the
corresponding saved data or when the item of the corresponding
saved data is selected.
(7) The present invention further provides a game system in which
desired saved data is selected from items of saved data and loaded,
the game system comprising: generating means which generates a
saved-contents reminder sound containing at least one of sound
effects, BGM and character voices that remind a player of contents
of the saved data or a game state on the data saving; and output
means which outputs the saved-contents reminder sound when the
player selects the saved data to be loaded.
According to the present invention, there is also provided a
computer-usable program embodied on an information storage medium
or in a carrier wave, the program comprising information (or
program) for implementing (or executing) the above described means.
A computer-readable informatin storage medium according to the
present invention comprises information (or a program) for
implementing (executing) the above described means.
Sounds which remind the player of the contents of the saved data or
the game state on the data saving includes a sound of the sea if
the location on the data saving is a seashore, a sound of wind if a
strong wind is blowing, and a cry of an animal if it exists near
the character, for example. Moreover, such sounds may be a sound
that is characteristic of the character on the data saving.
According to the present invention, since the saved-contents
reminder sound is outputted when the player selects the saved data
to be loaded, a game system and information storage medium in which
the game state on the data saving can easily be grasped by hearing
can be obtained.
Timing when the saved-contents reminder sound is outputted may be
either of when a cursor is positioned on any item in the
corresponding saved data or when the item of the corresponding
saved data is selected.
(8) In each of the the game system, information storage medium and
program according to the present invention, the saved-contents
reminder image or the saved-contents reminder sound may be
generated based on a parameter of the character on the data
saving.
The parameters of the character includes variables representing the
strength, compatibility, growth or the like of the character, and
these variables are used in the game computation. If the strength
of the character is low, the saved-contents reminder image is
generated to include an image of a weedy character, and if the
compatibility is high, the saved-contents reminder image is
generated to include a pink-colored background or a background with
a heart mark, for example.
By generating the saved-contents reminder image based on the
parameters, the image can remind the player of the state of the
character on the data saving, since the parameters are variable
depending on the game situation of the character.
(9) Each of the the game system, information storage medium and
program according to the present invention may further comprise:
edition means which enables the player to edit at least one of the
saved-contents reminder image and the saved-contents reminder sound
on the data saving.
In such an arrangement, the player can edit at least one of the
saved-contents reminder image and the saved-contents reminder sound
in the saved data when the player saves the game data.
The edition of the saved-contents reminder image includes
combination of partial images, selection of favorable images, and
modification of the color, pattern or background of images, for
example. The edition of the saved-contents reminder sound includes
selection or combination of the character voices, BGM and sound
effects, for example.
If the player edits the saved-contents reminder image on sound, the
edited image or sound can provide a stronger impression to the
player, so that the player can more easily remind the contents of
the saved data.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a game system according to
the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a load selection screen in the
embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a view showing a game space in which the game of the
embodiment is played.
FIG. 4 is illustrative of the saved-contents reminder image
according to this embodiment.
FIG. 5 shows examples of a background image in the saved-contents
reminder image of this embodiment.
FIG. 6 shows examples of the face expression of a character in the
saved-contents reminder image of this embodiment.
FIG. 7 shows examples of an item image in the saved-contents
reminder image of this embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a table representing an example of the contents of the
saved data in this embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in this
embodiment.
FIG. 10 shows hardware configuration for implementing the
embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C illustrate various forms of a system to
which the embodiment can be applied.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be
described with reference to the drawings. Although the present
invention will be described as to a role-playing game, it is not
limited to this but may be applied to any of various other
games.
1. Configuration
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of this embodiment. In this figure,
this embodiment may comprise at least a processing section 100 or a
processing section 100 with a storage section 170 or a processing
section 100 with a storage section 170 and an information storage
medium 180. Each of the other blocks (e.g., operating section 160,
display section 190, sound output section 192, portable information
storage device 194 and communications section 196) may take any
suitable form.
The processing section 100 performs various processings for control
of the entire system, commands to the respective blocks in the
system, game processing, image processing, sound processing and so
on. The function thereof may be realized through any suitable
hardware means including various processors such as CPU, DSP and so
on or ASIC (or gate array or the like) or a given program (or game
program).
The operating section 160 is used to input operational data from
the player and the function thereof may be realized through any
suitable hardware means such as a shooting device, a lever, a
button, a housing or the like.
The storage section 170 provides a working area for the processing
section 100, communications section and others. The function
thereof may be realized by any suitable hardware means such as RAM
or the like. The storage section 170 includes a frame buffer
172.
The information storage medium (or a computer-readable storage
medium) 180 stores information such as a program or data). The
function thereof may be realized through any suitable hardware
means such as an optical memory disk (CD or DVD), a magneto-optical
disk (MO), a magnetic disk or a memory (ROM) The processing section
100 performs various processings in the present invention (or this
embodiment) based on the information stored in this information
storage medium 180. In other words, the information storage medium
180 stores various pieces of information (or a program, or program
and data) for implementing the means of the present invention (or
this embodiment) which is particularly the block included in the
processing section 100.
Part or the whole of the information stored in the information
storage medium 180 will be transferred to the storage section 170
when the system is initially powered on. The information stored in
the information storage medium 180 may contain at least one of
program code set for processing the present invention, image data,
sound data, shape information of objects to be displayed, table
data, list data, command information for the processings in the
present invention, information for performing the processings
according to the commands and so on.
The display section 190 is to output an image generated according
to this embodiment. The function thereof may be realized through
any suitable hardware means such as CRT, LCD or HMD (head mount
display).
The sound output section 192 is to output a sound generated
according to this embodiment. The function thereof may be realized
through any suitable hardware means such as a speaker or the
like.
The portable information storage device 194 is to store a player's
personal data or saved data 195. The portable information storage
device 194 may be considered to be a memory card or a portable game
system.
The communications section 196 is to perform various controls for
performing the communication between the game system of the present
invention and any external means (e.g., a host machine or the other
image generating system). The function thereof may be realized
through any hardware means such as various processors or
communication ASIC or according to a program.
The programs or data used for executing the means of the present
invention (or this embodiment) may be distributed from an
information storage medium included in the host machine (or server)
to the information storage medium 180 through a network or the
communications section 196. The use of such an information storage
medium included in the hose device (or server) falls within the
scope of the invention.
The processing section 100 comprises a game processing section 110,
an image processing section 140 and a sound processing section
150.
The image processing section 110 performs various processes such as
coin (or charge) reception, setting of various modes, game
proceeding, setting of scene selection, determination of the
position and rotation angle (about X-, Y- or Z-axis) of an object,
processing relating to the motion of an object (motion processing),
determination of the view point and visual line (direction),
arrangement of an object such as a map object within the object
space, hit checking, computation of the game results (or scores),
processing for causing a plurality of players to play in a common
game space, various game computations including game-over and other
processes, based on operational data from the operating section
160, personal data from the portable information storage device
194, saved data and game programs.
The image processing section 140 is to process various images
according to instructions from the game processing section 110. The
sound processing section 150 is to process various sounds according
to instructions from the game processing section 110.
The functions of the image processing section 140 and sound
processing section 150 may entirely be realized through hardware or
according to programs or by both the hardware and programs.
The game processing section 110 includes a movement/action
computing section 112 and a load information selecting section
114.
The movement/action computing section 112 is to compute the
movement information of an object such as a target or the like
(including positional data, rotational angle data and so on), the
action information of the object (including positional data and
rotational angle data of each part in the object) or the
trajectory. For example, the movement/action computing section 112
may move or operate the object based on such operational data as
inputted by a player through the operating section 160 or the game
programs.
More particularly, the movement/action computing section 112 may
determine the position or rotational angle of the object for each
frame (1/60 seconds). It is now assumed herein that the position of
the object for (k-1) frame is PMk-1; the speed thereof is VMk-1,
the acceleration thereof is Amk-1 and time for one frame is
.DELTA.t. The position PMk and speed VMk of the object for k frame
can be determined from the following formulas (1) and (2):
VMk=VMk-1+Amk-1.times..DELTA.t (2)
The load information selecting section 114 is to output a load
selection screen for selecting saved data to be loaded and to set a
load onset circumstance by loading the selected saved data.
The image processing section 140 includes a geometry processing
section (three-dimensional coordinate computing portion) 142, a
player color directing portion 144 and a drawing (or rendering)
portion 146.
The geometry processing section 142 is to perform various geometry
processings (or three-dimensional computations) such as coordinate
transformation, clipping, perspective transformation and
light-source calculation.
The saved-contents reminder image generating section 144 is to
generate a saved-contents reminder image containing at least one of
a scene and character which remind the player of the contents of
the saved data or the state on the data saving.
In the saving, by directing the game such that at least one of the
character and scene images within the game space is taken, the
saved-contents reminder image may be generated based on the taken
image.
The saved-contents reminder image may be generated by so directing
that the state of the character or player on the data saving is
reflected to at least one of the expression or action of the
character, the weather, season or time of the scene and the
contents of the background in the saved-contents reminder
image.
An image in the frame buffer on the data saving may be generated as
a saved-contents reminder image.
The drawing section 146 is to draw an object based on the object
data after the geometry processing (or perspective transformation)
and a texture stored in a texture buffer.
The drawing section 146 may perform the drawing process by mapping
and superimposing the modified texture on the object and a
correcting object having different texture coordinates for each
vertex.
The sound processing section 150 includes a player sound directing
section 152.
The saved-contents reminder sound processing section 152 is to
generate a saved-contents reminder sound containing at least one of
the sound effects, BGM and character voices which remind the player
of the contents of the saved data or the state on the data
saving.
The image generating system of this embodiment may be dedicated for
a single-player mode in which only a single player can play the
game or may have a multi-player mode in which a plurality of
players can play the game.
If a plurality of players play the game, only a single terminal may
be used to generate game images and sounds to be provided to all
the players. Alternatively, a plurality of terminals interconnected
through a network (transmission lien or communication line) may be
used in the present invention.
2. Features of this Embodiment
FIG. 2 shows a load selection screen according to this embodiment,
which is a scene displayed when saved data to be loaded in a game
system is to be selected.
According to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, saved-contents
reminder images 210, 220, 230 and 240 are displayed which remind
the player of the contents of saved information pieces FILE 1, FILE
2, FILE 3 and FILE 4 respectively.
Each of the saved-contents reminder images consists of a character
and a landscape at a place in which the character exists on the
data saving. As will be apparent from the saved-contents reminder
images 210, 220, 230 and 240, the face expression of the respective
character is reflected by the state on the data saving. Therefore,
a player can select a file to be loaded by grasping the saved
contents of information while viewing the images 210, 220, 230 and
240.
The feature of this embodiment is to generate a saved-contents
reminder image containing at least one of the landscape and
character which remind the player of the contents of the saved data
or the state on the data saving and to output such a saved-contents
reminder image when the player is to select saved data to be
loaded.
The saved-contents reminder image will be described in more detail
in connection with a simple game story, "Adventures of Tom and
Pete". FIG. 3 shows a perspective view illustrating a game space
which is a stage for the game, "Adventures of Tom and Pete",
according to this embodiment. The game space is a wonderland having
a diversified configuration consisting of cities, seashores,
forests, mountains and so on. Tom and Pete will repeatedly do
various adventures in the wonderland to get treasures.
Tom and Pete compete with each other relating to which can first
get a treasure. An adventure starts at a city. Where are they
going? For the meantime, a first save is performed (Save 1 shown by
310 in FIG. 3).
Tom moves from the city toward a seashore. He picks up twigs in a
forest and safely reaches the seashore. However, Tom is puzzled
what to do. For the meantime, a second save is performed (Save 2
shown by 320 in FIG. 3).
Pete moves from the city toward a mountain. Pete picks up a sword
and a shield in another forest and feels lucky. For the meantime, a
third save is performed (Save 3 shown by 330 in FIG. 3).
Pete further proceeds and reaches the base of another mountain.
Here, he finds a pot which is a new and important item. At a moment
when Pete is to pick up the pot, a hawk carries away it. "Oh,
no!"
Since the hawk has flown to the top of the mountain with the pot,
Pete decides to climb the mountain and to get back the pot.
However, it appears that the mountain may be dangerous. For the
meantime, a fourth save is performed (Save 4 shown by 340 in FIG.
3). Tom and Pete will continue their severe travels.
As the game proceeds in such a development, a game information
piece required to restart the game at each of the Saves 1 to 4 is
saved in an information storage medium as the corresponding one of
the saved data 1 through 4.
This embodiment generates a saved-contents reminder image from
which the contents of each saved data can be grasped when saved
data to be loaded is to be selected. Since the saved-contents
reminder image is outputted in the load selection screen or the
like, the player can remember the contents of the corresponding
saved data while viewing the saved-contents reminder image being
displayed.
FIG. 4 is a view illustrating the configuration of a saved-contents
reminder image according to this embodiment. The saved-contents
reminder image according to this embodiment includes a character
350 having its face expression which is reflected by the
development of game, a background image 360 representing a
landscape at which the character exists, and if necessary, item
images 370 and 372.
FIG. 5 shows several examples of background images in a
saved-contents reminder image according to this embodiment.
Background 1 (410) is the scene of a city; background 2 (420) is
the scene of a mountain; background 3 (430) is the scene of a
forest; and background 4 (440) is the scene of a seashore.
One of these scenes at which a character exists on the data saving
will be used as a background in the saved-contents reminder image
according to this embodiment. For example, if the save is performed
when the character exists in the city as in Save 1 (310 of FIG. 3),
the background 1 (410) is used as the background image in the
saved-contents reminder image.
If the save is performed when the character exists in the seashore
as in Save 2 (320 of FIG. 3), the background 4 (440) is used as the
background image in the saved-contents reminder image.
If the save is performed when the character exists in the forest as
in Save 3 (330 of FIG. 3), the background 3 (430) is used as the
background image in the saved-contents reminder image.
If the save is performed when the character exists in the mountain
as in Save 4 (340 of FIG. 3), the background 2 (420) is used as the
background image in the saved-contents reminder image.
In this embodiment, one scene from several scenes at which the
character exists on the data saving is used as a background image
in the saved-contents reminder image. Therefore, the player can
grasp the place on the data saving or the contents of the saved
data while viewing this background image.
FIG. 6 shows several examples of the character's face expressions
in the saved-contents reminder image according to this embodiment.
Expression model 1 (510) represents an angry look; expression model
2 (520) represents a troubled look; expression model 3 (530)
represents a normal look; and expression model 4 (540) represents a
laughing look.
The saved-contents reminder image according to this embodiment
includes the face of a character reflected by the development of
game. For example, if the character does not still start the
adventure as in Save 1, the expression model 3 (530) representing
the normal look is used as the face of the character in the
saved-contents reminder image.
If the character is puzzled as in Save 2, the expression model 2
(530) representing the troubled look is used as the face of the
character in the saved-contents reminder image.
If the character delights in getting a new item as in Save 3, the
expression model 4 (540) representing the laughing look is used as
the face of the character in the saved-contents reminder image.
If the character is angry since his important item is carried away
as in Save 4, the expression model 1 (510) representing the angry
look is used as the face of the character in the saved-contents
reminder image.
Since the character having its face expression reflected by the
development of game is thus used in the saved-contents reminder
image in this embodiment, the player can grasp the state on the
data saving or the contents of the saved data from the face
expression of the character.
FIG. 7 shows several examples of item images in the saved-contents
reminder image according to this embodiment. Item 1 (610) represent
a sword; item 2 (620) represents a shield; item 3 (630) represents
a twig; and item 4 (640) represents a pot.
The saved-contents reminder image of this embodiment may be
configured to include one or more item images possessed by the
character, if necessary.
In Save 1, for example, the character has no item since it does not
start the adventure. Therefore, no item is shown in the
saved-contents reminder image.
In Save 2, the item 3 (630) representing the twig is used in the
saved-contents reminder image since the save was performed when the
character had the twig.
In Saves 3 and 4, the items 1 (610) and 2 (620) are used in the
saved-contents reminder image since the save was performed when the
character had the sword and shield.
In this embodiment, one or more items possessed by the character
are used in the saved-contents reminder image. Therefore, the
player can remember the state on the data saving or the contents of
the saved data from the used items.
New information for generating the saved-contents reminder image
may be saved in addition to the previous saved data. Alternatively,
the saved-contents reminder image may be generated based on the
same contents of save information as the previous save information
through a predetermined algorithm.
FIG. 8 shows the structure of saved data according to this
embodiment.
The saved data 700 comprises save numbers 710, game state data 720
and saved-contents reminder image generation data 730. The game
state data 720 is inherently necessary to start the game from each
state on the data saving irrespectively of whether or not the
saved-contents reminder image should be generated.
The saved-contents reminder image generation data 730 is necessary
to generate or edit the saved-contents reminder image and contains
expression codes 740, item codes 750 and background codes 7.
The expression codes 740 can best represent the conditions in which
the character is placed on the data saving (see FIG. 5). The item
codes 750 correspond to distinctive items which are possessed by
the character on the data saving (see FIG. 6). The distinctive
items may include items or others which are last possessed by the
character. The background codes 760 correspond to backgrounds in
which the character existed on the data saving.
If the saved-contents reminder image generation data have been set
on the data saving, the saved-contents reminder image can be
generated at higher speeds without referring to the contents of any
other saved data.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process for generating the
saved-contents reminder image based on the saved game
information.
In this embodiment, steps S10 through S50 for each saved data are
executed to generate the saved-contents reminder image until the
process has been completed for all the saved data.
A place in the game at the time the game was saved is first
determined, based on the target data, and then a background image
of the saved-contents reminder image is generated (step S10). At
this time, the contents of the saved data may be referred to when
the background image in the saved-contents reminder image is to be
generated. Alternatively, such a saved-contents reminder image as
described in connection with FIG. 8 may be referred to.
A character existed at the time the game was saved is then
determined, based on the target data. The face expression of that
character is formed or modified to generate the image of the
character in the saved-contents reminder image, which is in turn
synthesized with the background image (step S20). For example, if
data for generating the saved-contents reminder image is used, the
face expression of the character may be generated from the
expression code.
If any item is gotten at the time the game was saved, the image of
the item which has been used or obtained just before the saving is
generated based on the target data and it is synthesized with the
background and character images (step S30) For example, if the data
for generating the saved-contents reminder image is used, the item
image may be generated from the item code.
The saved-contents reminder image which includes the background and
character images and if necessary, includes also the item image is
output (step S40).
These steps S10 to S40 will be repeated until all the saved data
have been processed (step S50).
3. Hardware Configuration
Hardware configuration for implementing this embodiment will be
described with reference to FIG. 10.
A main processor 900 operates to perform various processings such
as game processing, image processing, sound processing and so on,
based on a program stored in a CD 982 (information storage medium),
a program transmitted through a communication interface 990 or a
program stored in a ROM 950 (which is one kind of information
storage medium).
A coprocessor 902 aids the main processor 900 and has a product-sum
operator and divider which can perform a high-speed computation.
Thus, the coprocessor 902 can execute a matrix (or vector)
computation at high speed. For example, if the matrix computation
or the like is required to perform the movement or motion of an
object, a program running on the main processor 900 commits its own
process to the coprocessor 902.
A geometry processor 904 is to perform a geometry processing for
coordinate transformation, perspective transformation, light-source
calculation, curve generation and so on and has a product-sum
operator and divider which can perform a high-speed computation.
Thus, the geometry processor 904 can execute a matrix (or vector)
computation at high speed. For example, if a processing such as
coordinate transformation, perspective transformation or
light-source calculation is to be performed, a program running on
the main processor 900 commits its own processing to the geometry
processor 904.
A data expanding processor 906 is to expand and decode compressed
image or sound data or to accelerate the decoding process in the
main processor 900. Thus, a dynamic image compressed through MPEG
or other can be displayed in an opening scene, intermission scene,
ending scene or game scene. Image and sound data to be decoded may
be stored in the ROM 950 and CD 982 or may externally be
transferred through the communication interface 990.
A drawing processor 910 is to perform, at high speed, a process of
drawing (or rendering) an object which is formed by primitive faces
such as polygons or curves. When the object is to be drawn, the
main processor 900 uses a DMA controller 970 to deliver the object
data to the drawing processor 910 and if necessary, to transfer
textures to a texture storage section 924. Thus, the drawing
processor 910 uses the object data and textures to draw the object
in a frame buffer 922 at high speed while performing the
hidden-surface removal through a Z-buffer or the like. Moreover,
the drawing processor 910 can also perform alpha(.alpha.)-blending
(or translucency processing), mip-mapping, fogging, tri-linear
filtering, anti-aliasing, shading and so on. When an image for one
frame has been written into the frame buffer 922, its image will be
displayed on a display 912.
A sound processor 930 includes a multi-channel adaptive
differential pulse code modulation (ADPCM) sound source and others
for generating high-quality game sounds such as BGM, sound effects,
voices and so on. The generated game sounds may be outputted
through a speaker 932.
The operational data from a game controller 942 as well as the
saved data and personal data from a memory card 944 may be
transferred through a serial interface 940.
The ROM 950 has stored system programs and so on. For an arcade
game system, the ROM 950 serves as an information storage medium
for storing various types of programs. In place of the ROM 950, any
hard disk may be used.
RAM 960 is used as a working area for various processors.
The DMA controller 970 functions to control DMA transfer between
the processors and the memories (RAM, VRAM, ROM and the like).
CD drive 980 can drive the CD 982 (information storage medium)
which has stored the programs, image data or sound data for
accessing them.
The communication interface 990 functions to perform the data
transfer between the game system and any external means through a
network. In such a case, the network connectable to the
communication interface 990 may be in the form of a communication
line (i.e., analog telephone line or integrated services digital
network (ISDN)) or the bus of a high-speed serial interface. Thus,
the data transfer can be executed through the Internet by using the
communication line. When the bus of the high-speed serial interface
is used, the data transfer can be performed between other image
generating systems, other game systems or information processing
equipment (e.g., a personal computer, a printer, a mouse or a
keyboard).
All the means used in the present invention may be executed only
through hardware means or only through programs which have been
stored in the information storage medium or externally distributed
through the communication interface. Alternatively, all the means
may be executed both by the hardware means and programs.
If all the means are executed both by the hardware means and
programs, the information storage medium will store a program (or
program and data) for executing the means of the present invention
through the hardware means. More particularly, the program
instructs the respective processors 902, 904, 906, 910 and 930
which are hardware means and delivers data to them, if necessary.
Each of the processors 902, 904, 906, 910 and 930 will execute the
corresponding means of the present invention based on the
instruction and delivered data.
FIG. 11A shows an arcade game system to which this embodiment is
applied. Players enjoy a game by operating levers 1102, buttons
1104 and the like while viewing a game scene displayed on a display
1100. The game system includes a system board (or circuit board)
1106 on which various types of processors and memories are mounted.
A program (or program and data) for executing the means of the
present invention has been stored in a memory (or information
storage medium) 1108 on the system board 1106. The information will
be referred to "stored information".
FIG. 11B shows a home game system to which this embodiment is
applied. A player enjoys a game by manipulating game controllers
1202 and 1204 while viewing a game picture displayed on a display
1200. In such a case, the aforementioned stored information have
been stored in CD 1206 or memory cards 1208, 1209 which are
detachable information storage media in the game system.
FIG. 11C shows an example wherein this embodiment is applied to a
system which includes a host machine 1300 and terminals 1304-1 to
1304-n connected to the host machine 1300 through a network (which
is a small-scale network such as LAN or a global network such as
the Internet) 1302. In such a case, the above stored information
have been stored in an information storage medium 1306 such as
magnetic disk device, magnetic tape device, memory or the like
which can be controlled by the host machine 1300, for example. If
the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n can generate game images and game
sounds in a stand-alone manner, the host machine 1300 delivers game
programs and others for generating game images and game sounds to
the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n. On the other hand, if the game
images and sounds cannot be generated by the terminals in the
stand-alone manner, the host machine 1300 will generate the game
images and sounds which are in turn transmitted to the terminals
1304-1 to 1304-n.
In the arrangement of FIG. 11C, the means of the present invention
may be decentralized into the host machine (or server) and
terminals. The above information for executing the means of the
present invention may be distributed and stored into the
information storage media of the host machine (or server) and
terminals.
Each of the terminals connected to the network may be either of
home or arcade type. When the arcade game systems are connected to
the network, it is desirable that each of the arcade game systems
includes a portable information storage device (memory card or
portable game machine) which can not only transmit the information
between the arcade game systems but also transmit the information
between the arcade game systems and the home game systems.
The present invention is not limited to the aforementioned
embodiment, but may be carried out in any of various other changed
forms.
For example, in an invention of the present invention relating to
each of the sub-claims, part of the components in an independent
claim to which the sub-claim belongs may be omitted. The primary
part of an invention relating to an independent claim of the
present invention] may belong to any other independent claim.
Although this embodiment has been described as to the
saved-contents reminder image containing at least one of the
landscape and character which remind the player of the contents of
the saved game information being outputted at the load selection
screen, the present invention is not limited to such a case. For
example, the saved-contents reminder sound containing at least one
of the sound effects, BGM and character's voices which remind the
player of the contents of the save information may be outputted in
the load selection screen.
Moreover, the image in the frame buffer has been maintained on data
saving and will later be outputted as a saved-contents reminder
image.
The saved-contents reminder image or sound may be generated based
on the parameters of the character on the data saving of the game
information.
The player may be to edit the saved-contents reminder image when
the game data are saved.
Other than the role-playing game, the present invention may
similarly be applied when the saved data is to be loaded in any of
various other games such as fighting games, racing games, robot
combat games, sports games, competitive games, role-playing games,
music playing games, dancing games and so on.
Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to various image
generating systems such as arcade game systems, home game systems,
large-scaled multi-player attraction systems, simulators,
multimedia terminals, image generating systems, game image
generating system boards and so on.
* * * * *